2007

Assessment
Report
2007

Chemistry GA 1: Written examination 1

GENERAL COMMENTS
Students performance at the top end of the mark range for this examination was very similar to that for the 2006
examination, with approximately 90 per cent needed to achieve an A+ and approximately 82 per cent needed to achieve
an A. However, performance at the lower levels was not as good, as shown in the mean score of 59.2 per cent as against
61.1 per cent in 2006. The median score for the 2007 examination was 60.3 per cent. Both the mean and median scores
for the 2007 examination corresponded to a grade of a high C+.
Given that this was the last Unit 3 examination prior to the implementation of the reaccredited VCE Unit 3 and 4 course
in 2008, this report will focus on areas that are relevant to the new study and which continue to prove challenging to a
significant number of chemistry students.
A number of the multiple-choice questions provided useful insights into some common misunderstandings. Question 7,
for which students needed to select the correct graphical representation of changes in the rates of forward and reverse
reactions as a system approaches equilibrium, proved more challenging than was expected. Questions 15 and 16, both
involving pH, were amongst the four most difficult questions. Question 18 tested understanding of the use of light in
atomic absorption spectroscopy in a different context. Performance on Question 20 suggested that the majority of
students focused on the carboxyl group and perhaps were not comfortable with the term repeating unit.
The importance of reading the questions carefully can never be overemphasised. Despite the fact the words all bonds
were highlighted in Question 5d. in Section B, the majority of students did not show the bond between O and H on the
carboxyl group for propanoic acid. Teachers are encouraged to show students examples of structures that show all
bonds to assist them in answering this type of question in future examinations.
Questions in which students are required to provide written explanations or reasoning provide excellent learning
opportunities for future students. For Question 3c., the relatively common response there were other
substances/impurities present in the rock was not accepted because the impact on the calculated percentage depends on
whether or not the impurities react with the excess hydrochloric acid.
Many students continue to have difficulty with equation writing during the examination. Of particular concern was the
fact that approximately half the students did not write correct equations for the oxidation of Ni to Ni2+ (Question 4ai.) or
for the complete combustion of ethene (Question 5cii.).
Questions 6 and 7, the final questions on the paper, provided unfamiliar and familiar contexts respectively. Most
students were relatively comfortable with the back titration context of Question 7, but many struggled to understand the
links between absorbance data, equilibrium concentrations and reaction rate in Question 6. Teachers are encouraged to
provide students with examples of contexts that are both familiar and new.
Although students are encouraged to practise relevant questions from past exams in 2008 and beyond, a strong focus on
accurate interpretation of the questions and identifying the relevant key knowledge and skills is recommended. Teachers
are encouraged to use the statistical data provided to each school to identify particular areas that their students found
difficult and, where relevant to the reaccredited VCE Chemistry Units 3 and 4, make these areas a particular focus in
2008. A sample examination for the reaccredited VCE Unit 3 Chemistry course can be found on the VCAA website
<www.vcaa.vic.edu.au>.

Chemistry GA 1 Exam

VICTORIAN CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT AUTHORITY 2007

2007
Assessment
Report
SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Section A Multiple-choice questions
The table below indicates the percentage of students who chose each option. The correct answer is indicated by
shading.
Question % A % B % C % D
Comments
Rf values are characteristic of paper or thin-layer chromatography. Retention times
6
6
77
11 are characteristic of column chromatography, and in gas-liquid chromatography a
1
non-reactive gas is used as the mobile phase.
Atomic absorption spectroscopy is used to determine the amount of a particular
78
5
9
9
2
metal present in the sample being analysed.
The least number of molecules of NO corresponds with the least n(NO).
V
6 102
Option A: n(NO) =
=
= 27 mol
Vm (STP)
22.4
Option B: n(NO) = 1 mol
m 6 102
17
56
12
15
3
=
= 20 mol
Option C: n(NO) =
M
30.0
Option D: n(NO) = 6 mol

18

66

11

66

62

21

Many students either did not know how to solve such questions or had difficulty
applying fundamental mole relationships.
The empirical formula reflects the mole ratio n(I) : n(Cl)
2.54
m(I) = 2.54 g n(I) =
126.9
= 2.00 102 mol
m(Cl) = m(product) m(I)
= 4.67 2.54
= 2.13 g
6
2.13
n(Cl) =
35.5
= 6.00 102 mol
Ratio n(I) : n(Cl) = 2.00 102 : 6.00 102
=2:6
=1:3
Hence, the empirical formula is ICl3
The lower retention times evident on chromatogram 2 could only be caused by using
a less tightly packed column, which would reduce interaction with the stationary
14 phase and speed up progress through the column. Decreasing the pressure of the
mobile phase or the temperature would slow down the movement of the mobile
phase through the column and thus increase the retention times.
Since the forward reaction is exothermic (H < 0), the yield of propanone would
increase at a lower temperature. With more particles on the product side, the yield of
propanone would be increased by a change in pressure that would force the position
7 of equilibrium to move to the side with more particles, i.e. by a decrease in pressure.

23

Students who chose option B showed some confusion with the impact of changes in
pressure in equilibrium systems.
As the reaction C3H8O(g) C3H6O(g) + H2(g) proceeds, its rate decreases due to the
decreasing concentration/partial pressure of C3H8O. Simultaneously, as the
concentrations/partial pressures of C3H6O(g) and H2(g) increase, the rate of the
reaction C3H6O(g) + H2(g) C3H8O(g) increases. When the two reactions are
49 occurring at the same rate equilibrium has been established.

11

18

This was one of the more challenging questions on the paper. Most students knew
that at equilibrium the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, but
many did not correctly identify the graphs for the forward and reverse reactions.

Chemistry GA 1 Exam

Published: 4 October 2007

2007
Assessment
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Question % A % B % C % D

Comments
Let the reaction be represented by A + B C

200A+BC
Ea = 200 kJ mol1
8

18

71

CA+B
Ea = 350 kJ mol1

0--

A, B

A+BC
H = 150 kJ mol1 150--

15

28

10

70

10

15

Students could be encouraged to do a quick sketch of the energy profile when

supplied with H and activation energy data.
In a redox reaction between zinc metal and sulfuric acid, zinc metal would be the
reductant (and be oxidised) and sulfuric acid would be the source of the oxidant
(which will be reduced).
In dilute sulfuric acid, the oxidant is H+(aq), which is reduced to H2 according to
48 2H+(aq) + 2e H2(g). In concentrated sulfuric acid the oxidant is H2SO4(l). When
H2SO4 is reacting as an oxidant, and hence being reduced, the oxidation number of
sulfur, which is +6, must decrease. The oxidation numbers of sulfur in the suggested
products are H2S (2); SO2 (+4); SO3 (+6). Hence SO3 is unlikely to be a
product of the reaction.
The repeating unit of the polymer contains ester groups each of which would have
formed from reaction between a carboxyl (COOH) and a hydroxy (OH) group on
adjacent monomers. Thus the OH group on a lactic acid molecule must react with a
COOH group on a glycolic acid molecule, whilst the COOH group on a lactic acid
molecule must react with a OH group on a glycolic acid molecule. So, glycolic acid
molecules must contain both a COOH group and OH group.
Expanding the repeating unit and focusing on the ester groups enables identification
of the monomers.
6
O

CH2

11

11

71

CH3

CH

O
O

CH2

CH3

CH

HOCH2COOH
HOCH(CH3)COOH
lactic acid
glycolic acid
Since all members of an homologous series contain the same functional group
(statement III) they will have similar chemical properties (statement II). However,
since successive members of an homologous series differ by CH2, they have different
physical properties (e.g. boiling temperature) and different molecular formulae,
therefore statements I and IV are incorrect.
1. CH =CH HBr
CH CH Br (bromoethane) addition reaction
2

2. CH3CH2Br

OH

CH3CH2OH (ethanol) substitution reaction

12

13

77

13

82

10

17

Experiment 2 has a higher initial rate of reaction and so occurs at the higher
temperature. Experiment 1 produces more HI by the time equilibrium is established,
so the forward reaction is favoured at lower temperatures, indicating that the reaction
56 is exothermic.

14

16

10

3. CH3CH2COOH + CH3CH2OH CH3CH2COOCH2CH3 + H2O

ethyl propanoate
This is a condensation reaction.

A significant number of students struggled to accurately interpret the graphical

representation of reaction conditions.
Chemistry GA 1 Exam

Published: 4 October 2007

2007
Assessment
Report
Question % A % B % C % D

Comments
+

pH 12 H3O = 10

12

14
OH = 10
= 102 M = 0.01 M

1012

pH 13 H3O + = 1013 M

15

10

39

14
OH = 10
= 101 M = 0.1 M

1013

42

Since the volume of solution is one litre, n(OH) increases by 0.1 0.01 = 0.09 mol.
0.09 mol KOH must be added.
Students who chose option D recognised that pH 13 OH = 0.10 M but did not

effectively link the change in pH to the change in n(OH) present.

pH 12 H3O + = 1012 M

14
OH = 10
= 102 M = 0.01 M

1012

pH 2 H3O + = 102 M = 0.01 M

16

27

21

23

29

Enough HCl must be added to neutralise the OH initially present (i.e. 0.01 mol) and
to then increase the amount of H3O+ present to 0.01 mol. So the total n(HCl) required
= 0.01 + 0.01 = 0.02 mol
This proved to be the most difficult multiple-choice question on the paper. The
relatively equal popularity of each option suggests that students were generally
unsure of how to solve this problem.
For the same volume of different gases, at the same temperature, the pressure exerted
by each gas depends on the number of moles present in the sample.
m (Ar)
10
=
n(Ar) =
= 0.2506 mol
M (Ar) 39.9

17

13

27

18

26

30

14

51

m (Ne)
10
=
= 0.498 mol
M (Ne) 20.1
The number of Ne atoms present in bottle II is approximately double the number of
Ar atoms present in bottle I, so the pressure in bottle II is higher than the pressure in
bottle I.
Light is emitted from a sodium lamp as electrons in excited sodium atoms move
from higher energy levels to lower energy levels. The wavelengths of light emitted
correspond to the energy needed to promote electrons in sodium atoms from lower
energy levels to higher energy levels. So, when light from a sodium lamp is passed
30 through a container of sodium vapour, the intensity of the light decreases as electrons
in the sodium vapour absorb energy in moving from lower to higher energy levels.

n(Ne) =

Most students were unable to apply the principles of light absorption during atomic
absorption spectroscopy to the situation described in the question.

Chemistry GA 1 Exam

Published: 4 October 2007

2007
Assessment
Report
Question % A % B % C % D

Comments
The reaction A + B C; (H negative) is exothermic, so on an energy profile the
product (C) is below the reactants (A, B). The reaction A + B X; (H positive) is
endothermic, so on an energy profile the product (X) is above the reactants (A, B).
The reaction X C; (H negative) is exothermic, so on an energy profile the
product (C) is below the reactant (X).

Energy
19

79
X
A, B
C

The polymer shown would be formed by addition polymerisation according to

CH3

CH3
n CH2 C
20

30

27

21

22

CH2

C O

C O

CH2

CH2

CH2OH

CH2OH

Responses suggested that the majority of students were distracted by the ester group
in the structure as shown.

Section B Short answer questions

Asterisks (*) are used in some questions to show where marks were awarded.
Question 1a.
Marks
0
28
%

1
32

2
40

Average
1.2

H2

CO

Chemistry GA 1 Exam

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2007
Assessment
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Students showed varying levels of familiarity with concentrationtime graphs. Although most students showed the
effect of the catalyst, many did not recognise that the equilibrium [H2] would be three times the equilibrium [CO].
Question 1b.
Marks
0
1
Average
27
73
%
0.8
K1 is smaller than K2 (or K1 < K2 or K2 > K1).
Question 1c.
Marks
%

0
1

1
16

2
42

3
41

Average
2.3

Statement
Endothermic reactions are always slower than exothermic reactions.
All particles have the same kinetic energy at a fixed temperature.
Reactant particles need to collide with sufficient energy at a fixed temperature.
The rate of a reaction at a constant temperature increases as the reaction
proceeds.
v. Increasing the temperature increases the fraction of collisions with energy
above the activation energy.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

True

False
9
9

9
9
9

Three marks were awarded if all five statements were correct; two marks if four were correct; and one mark if two or
three were correct.
This question was generally well handled, with the most common error occurring in part ii. Students should be aware
that particles in a gas sample collide and hence change speed. At a given temperature, not all particles have the same
kinetic energy or will be moving at the same speed. The average kinetic energy is proportional to temperature (K).
Question 2a.
Marks
%

0
9

1
91

Average
0.9

B H +
Ka =
[ BH ]
Question 2bi.
Marks
0
1
2
35
9
56
%

[ BH ] = B , so
K a = H + * H + = 6.3 105 M

pH = log10 6.3 105

Average
1.3

= 4.2 *

Question 2bii.
Marks
0
68
%

Chemistry GA 1 Exam

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Average
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pH 7 [H+] = 107 M
B H +
Ka =
[ BH ]
B 107
6.3 105 =
[ BH ]
[B ]/[BH] =

6.3 105
107

= 630 6.3 102 or 6 102

The majority of students did not recognise that the required ratio [B]/[BH] was incorporated in the Ka expression and
the Ka and [H+] were given. Some students tried to incorporate the normal weak acid assumption that [B] = [H+] to
calculate the [BH] and then work out the required ratio.
Question 2biii.
Marks
0
1
Average
64
36
%
0.4
Blue. The concentration of the (blue species) B is greater than that of the (yellow species) BH.

The link between the ratio determined in part ii. and the colour of the indicator at pH 7 was not well recognised. Some
students returned to the stem of the question and argued that, as the pH increases, the position of equilibrium moves to
the right and so the indicator becomes bluer.
Question 3a.
Marks
0
21
%

1
22

2
57

Average
1.4

m ( CaCO3 ) = 8.64 1.55

= 7.09 g *
7.09
% CaCO3 =
100
8.64
= 82.1% *

This question tested fundamental data handling skills.

Question 3b.
Marks
0
1
31
15
%
3.87
n ( CaO ) =
56.1
= 0.0690 mol

2
16

3
39

Average
1.7

n ( CaCO3 ) = 0.0690 * mol

m ( CaCO3 ) = 0.0690 100.1
= 6.91 g
6.91
% CaCO3 =
100
8.64
= 79.9% *

Answers of 79.8 and 80.0 were also accepted. The third mark was awarded for the answer being given to the correct
number of significant figures (three).

Chemistry GA 1 Exam

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Students who struggled with this question generally did not recognise the direct link between the n(CaO) eventually
collected and the n(CaCO3) in the rock sample.
Question 3c.
Marks
0
1
Average
70
30
%
0.3
Possible answers included:
not all of the precipitate (CaC2O4.H2O) was collected
the CaC2O4.H2O was slightly soluble
some precipitate was lost during washing
there were other carbonates/soluble salts in the rock sample.

This question provided insight into student awareness of the impact of possible errors on experimental outcome.
Other substances present in the rock sample was a relatively common incorrect response. Given the experimental
technique, other substances would have made the calculated percentage in part a. either higher (if they were soluble in
the hydrochloric acid) or lower (if they were insoluble).
Question 4ai.
Marks
0
43
%
Ni Ni2+ + 2e

1
57

Average
0.6

Question 4aii.
Marks
0
1
Average
59
41
%
0.5
2
+

SO4 + 4H +2e SO2 + 2H2O

H2SO4 + 2H+ + 2e SO2 + 2H2O
Question 4aiii.
Marks
0
1
2
Average
36
25
39
%
1.1
Ni(s) + SO42(aq) + 4H+(aq) Ni2+(aq) + SO2(g/aq) + 2H2O(l)
Ni(s) +H2SO4(aq) + 2H+(aq) Ni2+(aq) + SO2(g/aq) + 2H2O(l)

Students are expected to be able to write half-equations at VCE level. While the reduction half-equation involving
sulfuric acid (part ii.) was challenging, a greater proportion of students should have correctly written the half-equation
for the oxidation of nickel. States were checked in part iii. of this question.
Question 4b.
Marks
0
1
Average
51
49
%
0.5
No; there is no change in oxidation numbers (or nothing is oxidised or reduced).

Students needed to give an appropriate explanation to be awarded the mark for this question. Applying oxidation
numbers to check whether or not a reaction is a redox reaction is a fundamental requirement at this level.
Question 4c.
Marks
0
24
%
Any one of:
H2SO4
SO3
H2S2O7
(NH4)2SO4

Chemistry GA 1 Exam

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Assessment
Report
This question provided interesting insights into how students interpret questions, especially with respect to phrases such
as chemicals of industrial importance. A significant number of students simply included the equation for the
conversion of SO2 to SO3 as per the Contact process. Although this was accepted, students should be encouraged to
answer the question being asked. The most common answers were H2SO4 and SO3.
Question 4d.
Marks
0
1
2
3
Average
14
24
26
36
%
1.9
4di.
1. The product of this reaction is sulfur trioxide.
2. At constant temperature, the chemical energy of the product is less than the chemical energy of the reactants.
4dii.
1. The equilibrium yield of product is increased as temperature decreases at constant pressure.
2. The equilibrium yield of product is increased as pressure increases at constant temperature.
4diii.
1. The reaction rate is increased as the temperature increased at constant pressure.
2. The activation energy of the reaction is decreased by the presence of vanadium (V) oxide.

A small number of students wrote the answers in the spaces provided rather than following the instruction to circle the
most appropriate words. Students should ensure that they read each question carefully.
Question 5ai.
Marks
0
1
Average
28
72
%
0.7
cracking (or thermal/steam/catalytic cracking)
Question 5aii.
Marks
0
1
Average
20
80
%
0.8
It acts as a catalyst (or increases reaction rate, etc.).
Question 5b.
Marks
0
1
Average
22
78
%
0.8
C17H36(g /l) C15H32(g/l) + C2H4(g)
C17H36 C172nH364n + nC2H4
e.g. C17H36 C7H16 + 5C2H4

Correct semi-structural formulae were accepted.

Question 5c.
Marks
0
1
Average
32
68
%
0.7
C2H4(g) + Br2(g) C2H4Br2(g) or CH2=CH2 + Br2 CH2BrCH2Br
Question 5cii.
Marks
0
1
Average
52
48
%
0.5
C2H4(g) + 3O2(g) 2CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)
Question 5ciii.
Marks
0
55
%

Chemistry GA 1 Exam

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45

Average
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C2H4(g) + H2O(g) C2H6O(g) or CH2=CH2 + H2O CH3CH2OH
The equations for the combustion of ethene and the reaction of ethene with steam proved challenging for most students.
Some students proposed polyethylene as the product in part iii., perhaps because they focused on the catalyst.
Question 5di.
Marks
0
29
%

1
15

H
C

2
15

4
35

Cl

1-chloropropane

Average
2.1

H
C

3
7

H
C
Cl

H
H

2-chloropropane

Since A and B have the same molar mass, they are most likely to be structural isomers.
Alkanes react with Cl2 to form chloroalkanes.
M(chloroalkanes) = 78.5 g mol1 Mr(chloroalkanes) = 78.5.
Since Ar(Cl) = 35.5, each chloroalkane molecule contains one Cl atom.
The hydrocarbon component of each molecule has Mr = 43, hence the two compounds formed are
chloropropanes.

Where both an exact structure and name were given for an incorrect chloroalkane, students were awarded one mark.
Students who had a good knowledge of structural isomerism in chloroalkanes may have immediately opted for
chloropropanes. However, the popularity of HCl as one of the compounds formed suggested that many students did not
realise that the compounds were structural isomers.
Question 5dii.
Marks
0
50
%

1
9

H
C

2
41

H
C

Average
1.0

C
O

propanoic acid

CH3CH2CH2Cl OH CH3CH2CH2OH

Cr2O72/H+

CH3CH2COOH

If an incorrect chloroalkane was given in part i. but the structural formula and name of the carboxylic acid in part ii.
was consistent with that chloroalkane, students were awarded both marks for this question.
Despite the clear instruction to show all bonds many students did not show the OH bond in the acid.
Question 6a.
Marks
0
49
%

Chemistry GA 1 Exam

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51

Average
0.5

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10

2007
Assessment
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Absorbance at equilibrium = 0.250
0.250
[X] =
4.15

= 0.0602 6.0 102 M

Many students did not seem to realise that constant absorbance between four minutes and eight minutes is an indication
that equilibrium had been achieved.
Question 6b.
Marks
0
1
37
63
%
[X] = 0.110 M
Absorbance = 4.15 0.110
= 0.457

Average
0.6

Question 6c.
Marks
0
1
2
54
20
26
%
n(X) converted = 0.110 0.0602
= 0.0498 * (0.050) mol
0.0498
% X converted =
100 *
0.110
= 45.3 %

Average
0.8

A number of students worked out the percentage of X present at equilibrium, which was awarded one mark. A few
students intuitively, and correctly, used the initial absorbance and the change in absorbance in reaching equilibrium.
Question 6d.
Marks
0
1
2
49
24
27
%
[X] initially = 0.110 M
Absorbance at 6.00 s = 0.430
0.430
[X] at 6.00 s =
4.15
= 0.1036 M (0.104)
[X] = 0.110 0.1036*
= 0.0064 M
0.0064
Rate of [X] =
*
6.00
= 0.0011 Ms 1

Average
0.8

This question was well done by students who performed well on most other questions.
Students who had made some progress through parts a. and b. of Question 6 often did not attempt parts c. and/or d.
Question 7a.
Marks
0
14
%

Chemistry GA 1 Exam

1
10

2
24

3
52

Average
2.3

Published: 4 October 2007

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n(SO 2 ) = 2 n(Na 2S2 O5 )
250
*
190
= 2.63 mol
nRT
V(SO 2 ) =
p
2.63 8.31 288
=
101.3
= 62.2 * L
= 2

The most common error for this question was not recognising that n(SO2) = 2 n(Na2S2O5).
Question 7bi.
Marks
0
1
2
Average
22
35
43
%
1.3

+
Equation: SO2 + 2H2O + I3 3I + 4H + SO4
Reductant: SO2

Identifying the reductant proved problematic for some students, possibly the same students who confused oxidation and
reduction in Question 4. A number of students identified the reductant as S rather than the substance in the reaction;
that is, SO2.
Question 7bii.
Marks
0
27
%

1
73

Average
0.7

n(I3 ) = 0.0125 50.0 103

= 6.25 104 (0.000625) mol

Question 7biii.
Marks
0
31
%

1
16

( )

2
20

3
32

Average
1.6

n I3 in excess = nS2 O32

= 0.00850 14.70 103

(
)
= n ( I ) initially n ( I ) in excess

= 0.000125* 1.25 104 mol

( )

n I3 reacting with SO 2

= 6.25 104 1.25 104 *

= 5.00 104 mol
n(SO 2 ) = 5.00 104 mol
c(SO 2 ) =

5.00 104

50.0 103
= 0.0100 M

The last question on the paper was well done. Students seemed to understand the principles of simple back-titrations. A
common error was to use the total solution volume rather than that of the original solution when calculating the c(SO2).

Chemistry GA 1 Exam

Published: 4 October 2007

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